Richland Divorce Decree Lookup
Richland divorce decree records are maintained at Benton County Superior Court in Kennewick. Richland is a city in the Tri-Cities area of southeast Washington, and all dissolution cases for Richland residents file at the Benton County courthouse, located about five miles west in Kennewick. The Benton County Superior Court Clerk handles all family law case files, certified copies, and records requests. You can search for dissolution cases online through Benton County's public records portal at bentonclerkpr.com or through the statewide Odyssey portal before making a trip to the courthouse.
Richland Overview
Where Richland Residents File for Divorce
Richland residents file dissolution cases at Benton County Superior Court. The courthouse is in Kennewick, the Benton County seat, at 7122 W. Okanogan Place. Kennewick is about five miles west of downtown Richland. The Superior Court Clerk handles all dissolution filings and records for everyone in Benton County, including Richland residents.
Richland Municipal Court handles only misdemeanors and city ordinance violations. Family law matters like dissolution, legal separation, and parenting plans go to the Superior Court, not the municipal court. This is true for all Richland residents regardless of where in the city they live.
| Office | Benton County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 7122 W. Okanogan Place Kennewick, WA 99336 |
| Phone | (509) 736-3071 |
| Online Search | bentonclerkpr.com |
The Tri-Cities area spans two counties. Richland and Kennewick are in Benton County. Pasco is across the Columbia River in Franklin County. If your case involves a Pasco address, it would file at Franklin County Superior Court instead.
Benton County maintains a public records portal that gives Richland residents online access to court records, including dissolution case information filed at Benton County Superior Court.
The Benton County public records portal at bentonclerkpr.com allows Richland residents to look up dissolution cases by party name or case number without visiting the courthouse in Kennewick.
Search Richland Divorce Decree Cases Online
Benton County provides two online options for searching dissolution records. The primary tool is the county's own public records portal at bentonclerkpr.com. You can search by party name or case number. Results show basic case information including filing date, case type, and current status.
The second option is the statewide Odyssey portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. The Odyssey system covers multiple Washington counties and is maintained by the state court system. It is useful if you are not sure which county a case was filed in, or if you want to search across county lines in one session.
For full case documents or certified copies, you have to contact the Benton County Superior Court Clerk directly. Call (509) 736-3071 to ask about mail requests or visit the courthouse in Kennewick. The online portals show case information but do not provide downloadable court documents.
Note: Searches work best when you have the full legal name of at least one party and an approximate filing year.
Richland Divorce Decree Filing Process
Richland residents file for dissolution under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a pure no-fault state. The only legal ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not need to prove fault, misconduct, or any specific reason beyond that statement.
Under RCW 26.09.030, either spouse must be a Washington resident or a military member stationed in the state at the time of filing. Washington does not impose a county residency requirement. A Richland resident can file the day they move to the state as long as they are established here when they file.
The 90-day waiting period applies to every case. From the date the petition is filed and the other party is served, the court must wait at least 90 days before entering a final Decree of Dissolution. This period cannot be shortened. Cases where both spouses agree on all terms can move faster once the 90 days are up. Contested cases may take much longer.
Community property rules govern asset division under RCW 26.09.080. Property and debts acquired during the marriage are generally split equally. Separate property brought into the marriage or inherited is treated differently. If the case involves children, a parenting plan and child support calculation are required as part of the final decree.
Richland and Kennewick are both in Benton County and file at the same courthouse. Pasco residents file at Franklin County Superior Court in Pasco instead.
Richland Dissolution Fees and Certified Copies
The filing fee for dissolution at Benton County Superior Court is approximately $364. This is consistent with the statewide standard. Verify the current fee with the clerk before filing, as surcharge rates can change. The clerk's office at (509) 736-3071 can confirm the current amount.
Certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. You may need certified copies for name changes, updating financial accounts, or other legal purposes. Plain copies are cheaper but generally not accepted for official uses. Requests can be made in person at the Kennewick courthouse or by mail.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, Washington allows you to ask the court for a waiver. You file a motion and financial declaration showing your income and expenses. Eligibility is generally based on income being below 200% of the federal poverty level or receipt of public assistance. Forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms.
Legal Help for Richland Residents
Columbia Legal Services serves the Tri-Cities area including Richland. They provide legal aid to low-income residents and handle family law cases. Check their availability and contact information through the Northwest Justice Project referral line at (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org.
WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has free guides for filing dissolution cases without an attorney. The step-by-step instructions walk through each form and procedure in plain language. All official court forms are free to download at courts.wa.gov/forms.
For a private attorney, use the Washington State Bar Association's directory at wsba.org. Many Tri-Cities area attorneys handle family law and offer initial consultations. The WSBA also runs a statewide referral service that can connect you with an attorney who practices in Benton County.
Older Richland Divorce Records
For dissolution records from 1999 or earlier, the Washington State Digital Archives may have what you need. The Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov indexes older county court records from across the state, including Benton County. Searches are free.
The Washington Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized from 1968 onward. These are summary records that confirm a dissolution occurred. They are available through the DOH vital records office. For the full Decree of Dissolution with all terms and conditions, contact the Benton County Superior Court Clerk directly.
Benton County Divorce Decree Records
Richland is in Benton County, and all dissolution filings go through Benton County Superior Court in Kennewick. The county page has more on the court system, the public records portal, and resources available to all Benton County residents.
Nearby Cities
These Tri-Cities area cities are near Richland. Kennewick is also in Benton County. Pasco files at Franklin County Superior Court.